The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek: Chapter 38  Summary & Analysis

Cussy Mary lays on the Moffits’ bed in shock until the blowflies start to fly in the window, attracted by the smell of death. Cussy covers Angeline’s body, carries Honey out on the porch and sits there, rocking Honey and trying to figure out what to do. If she asks Pa for help, people might blame them, as Blues, for the deaths. She isn’t even sure anyone knows Angeline was pregnant, or even if anyone else was aware of their hardscrabble life on their tiny homestead. But she knows she must care for Honey and see Honey’s parents properly buried.

Cussy Mary carefully empties one of her saddlebags, lines it with her cushion, and places Honey inside. She tells Junia that they must carry Honey to safety, very gently, for Angeline’s sake. Then she points the mule towards Jackson Lovett’s place, praying that he’ll be home and willing to help. And with one of Angeline’s lullabies on Cussy’s lips, the three ride out of the yard.